hi there , I wanted to create my 1st ever blog on this platform inspired by @Shortcut - Shortcut / https://steemit.com/@shortcut.
Shortcut kindly introduced me to Steemit! We connected as he found my crowdfunding campaign online!
I am still figuring Steemit out. However I know I have a lot of lovely contributors on here that selected perks on the campaign this year! So it just seems right to begin to blog here too!
I have recently posted out complimentary signed (re prints to selected contributors that contributed during 'the poster give away week' to show my gratitude).
I would like to say thanks again and let you know what we completed Phase 1 of the edit and it is great to see the narrative come together.
For any one new to my work . Energy : A Documentary about Damo Suzuki is my 2nd Feature documentary.
LINK to campaign (now closed) https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/energy-a-documentary-about-damo-suzuki#/
We had some really awesome perks and it was a pleasure to send them all out !!!
Also great fun to spend more time with Damo and Elke on tour !
I thought it may also be nice to add some useful tips for other filmmakers thinking of crowdfunding via Indiegogo
https://entrepreneur.indiegogo.com/how-it-works/
Indiegogo is a launchpad for entrepreneurial ideas. Not sure how to begin? This handy guide walks you through every step of a successful project.
I firstly found out about Indiegogo from attending The Sheffield Documentary Festival in 2011.
The event inspired me to do my 1st blog also. See here! (via www.mrsomebody.co.uk) My 1st feature documentary - as seen at Sheffield Documentary Festival 2014 - More about the festival here / https://sheffdocfest.com/ https://sheffdocfest.com/films/5701
http://www.mrsomebody.co.uk/blog/2011/april/2011/april/intro_blog
It is so important to network and attend festivals to gain that understanding of where you can place yourself as a filmmaker and understand which tools can be used to help you continue your path.
I picked Indiegogo as I trusted the platform after seeing other filmmakers use it . Even the Sheffield Documentary Festival used the platform .
One thing to think about and understand when using Indiegogo is to make sure you select FLEXIBLE FUNDING!
This way if you do not reach the goal - you still get your funds. If you select FIXED. You get nothing !
Which is a total mind melt!
One of the most helpful books - which is so good to read before crowdfunding is :
Crowdfunding for Filmmakers offers practical information, tips, and tactics for launching a successful film campaign by detailing traditional models of fundraising, utilizing today’s technological and social innovations, and augmenting each step with an added personal touch. The book examines various ways to meet and exceed one’s crowdfunding goal through chapters on team building, audience outreach, and crowdfunder etiquette, along with a section containing case studies from successful film campaigns.
I planned my campaign for way over 2 years and I did not jump into it easily! Every perk was well thought out and all the designs were created by DAMO SUZUKI'S NETWORK , which was really wonderful . The team spirit!
https://www.damosuzuki.com/
I also made sure I had a website , I created my official site in 2014. I was already building awareness. I also created a twitter and facebook page to reach out to others . After these steps. The book above then gives a really great insight on how to engage and connect .
To be able to share my passion and updates online via crowdfunding was a fantastic experience and I have met some amazing people along away. I am really grateful to everyone that helped me reach this point!
I will try to create a more detailed blog on the types of online marketing I did during my campaign.
Have a fab weekend!
Michelle Heighway
Director of ENERGY - A Documentary About Damo Suzuki
www.energythefilm.co.uk
